Chapter 37: Establishing Power in The Residence

Editor:- Mim

Chu Jinyao brought Gong Momo back to ChaoYunYuan. Momo Sun was initially standing at the doors of the courtyard, shouting arrogantly at the young maids. Upon hearing the doors opening, she immediately turned her head and spoke, “Fifth Young Lady, why are you only returning now…”

Before the sentence was finished, Momo Sun looked up and saw Gong Momo.

Momo Sun’s words were suddenly stuck in her throat.

How would anyone be ignorant of who Gong Momo was? They were all shocked when they saw Chu Jinyao actually coming back with Old Madam Chu’s capable arm. Everyone stopped walking and even stopped their hand movements.

Gong Momo swept a glance at the courtyard and said, “Is Young Lady arranging people to tidy up the courtyard?”

“Yes. Spring has arrived so one has instructed them to bring out those soft stuff to rid the moisture from them.”

Gong Momo nodded and did not speak as she followed Chu Jinyao into the room.

After a while, there were instructions from the room, telling them to stop their work on hand and enter the room to let Gong Momo see them.

Chu Jinyao sat on the armchair in the middle of the room while Gong Momo stood at the side as she pointed each one to Gong Momo, “These are my two First Ranked Maids, the taller one is Dingxiang and the other one is Shancha. The next four are Second Ranked Maids, they are from the left to the right, Baishao, Jiegeng, Chenxiang and Yueqiu. Those standing outside are the remaining servants for coarse work.

Upon being pointed out, each one of them bowed to Chu Jinyao and Gong Momo and Gong Momo nodded her head in response. When Chu Jinyao spoke till the end, she then pointed towards Momo Sun, “This is the discipline Momo that Mother sent me. She goes by the surname Sun.”

With a pleasing smile on her face, Momo Sun nodded towards Gong Momo. Momo Sun was sent by an elder and thus had a much higher position than those few ladies, however, Chu Jinyao left her introduction till the end. Gong Momo understood in her heart and only nodded towards Momo Sun’s fawning.

Gong Momo’s arrival had immediately shocked those servants who had floating thoughts. They had initially seen that Chu Jinyao had obtained many good things, and with her not being a Young Lady who had grown up in the Marquis residence, they were somewhat contemptuous towards her in their heart as they felt that Chu Jinyao was not someone who could manage them. Thus, they pushed Chu Jinyao to open up the chests for everyone to take a look and perhaps they would be able to obtain some profits. However, when Gong Momo stood there in the courtyard, without saying a single word, those few whose thoughts were floating, were immediately scared and dared not mention the matter again.

The news of Old Madam Chu assigning a Momo to Chu Jinyao quickly spread in the entire residence, and Madam Zhao was somewhat awkward. She had sent Momo Sun, a discipline Momo, to Chu Jinyao not long ago and now Old Madam Chu had personally assigned one over, showing an obvious distrust. Even the Second and Third households were shocked and sensed something unusual when they heard that Old Madam Chu actually interfered in Chu Jinyao’s courtyard matters.

Old Madam Chu was a lofty person and usually not close to the younger generations, so she would not do anything without a purpose. For Old Madam Chu to suddenly put importance on Chu Jinyao, did it mean that the direction of the wind in the inner-courtyard was about to change?

Gong Momo did not take any action in ChaoYunYuan, it was as if she was staying peacefully at Chu Jinyao’s. Chu Jinyao was also not in a hurry as she could afford to wait. Upon hearing Marquis Changxing’s words, Old Madam Chu had obviously prepared manpower for her, but did not take the initiative to mention it and instead made her request it personally before taking advantage of the situation for her benefit and sent Gong Momo over. This was the difference between Chu Jinyao and Chu Jinxian. If it was Chu Jinxian, Old Madam Chu would have long arranged everything and would care about controlling tactics. However, when it was Chu Jinyao, Old Madam Chu was managing her at the same time enticing her, like a superior’s treatment towards a subordinate.

Chu Jinyao was not close with Old Madam Chu. As compared to a blooded Grandmother, Old Madam Chu was more like a person of power and a protector with a request. However, such a simple vested-interest relationship made Chu Jinyao feel at ease, rather if emotions were mixed in, Chu Jinyao would find it difficult to handle.

Therefore, Chu Jinyao had applied the same attitude that Old Madam Chu had towards her, towards Gong Momo. The most important thing that someone superior should have was patience. If the superior had to speak of what they wanted, then they would lose their value and decisive opportunities. Thus, there was no need to rush. One must wait until the other part could not control themselves and mention it.

Gong Momo came over to help Chu Jinyao by being the villain, and this was a matter that both of them knew clearly. Chu Jinyao did not take a position and only instructed others to take care of Gong Momo. She would treat Gong Momo courteously and not mention about any other things. Gong Momo waited for another two days and after knowing everything from top to bottom, she took the initiative to speak when she was serving Chu Jinyao tea, “Young Lady, this Old Servant has something to say to you.”

Chu Jinyao lifted the teacup to drink. She pushed the tea leaves aside unhurriedly and only after she slowly took a sip and placed the cup down, did she say, “May Momo speak whatever is in your mind. Without orders from me, they would usually not come in.”

Chu Jinyao was currently sitting in the Eastern room. Previously when Qin Yi was around, it was inconvenient for others to enter, thus she had set the rules that no one could easily enter the study to disturb. Even though Qin Yi had left, the rule remained, so as long as the maid saw that Chu Jinyao was in the Eastern study, they would not go over to serve if there were no major events.

When Gong Momo saw Chu Jinyao’s genuinely calm expression, she secretly thought that this Fifth Young Lady could really keep her composure. Gong Momo then spoke, “Young Lady, this old servant would not need to speak more about Old Madam Chu’s intention. Young Lady has just returned and does not have much foundation, thus it is inevitable that there would be blind servants neglecting you. This old servant has coldly observed for a few days and has a rough understanding of the people in your courtyard. To put it bluntly, you are already thirteen this year and discussion on marriage selection will be happening within these years. You are the daughter of the Marquis and thus a proper selection for candidates would be indispensable. It is also because of that, one cannot be careless about the staff by Young Lady’s side. Calculating the time, it is only two to three years from Young Lady’s boudoir departure, so the staff that are prepared now would be part of your future dowry. Young Lady is still young and might not know about the importance of the dowry, but this old servant is used to seeing storms and thus spoke more to remind you. Upon entering the husband’s family, the dowry maids are your arms and face. Whatever they say or do would represent you.”

Chu Jinyao replied, “This is just the reason why I have to rely on Momo to look after me. According to Momo’s view, how should things proceed?”

Gong Momo continued, “This would depend on Young Lady. One does not know what kind of courtyard Young Lady wants?”

Chu Jinyao’s expression became serious as she sat up straight and spoke, “Not to hide from Momo, when I just returned, I did not have knowledge about many matters so all these maids and servants are used as how they were arranged by others. I do not expect to be able to manage my courtyard as orderly and airtight like a military camp, but the most important thing is to be loyal to the mistress and not speak of matters outside.”

“This is their basic duty.” Gong Momo said, “Young Lady, you have a Momo, two First-ranked maids and four Second-ranked maids. Even though the number is filled up, the discipline is still rather lax, thus it is necessary for things to be adjusted slowly. Not mentioning the Second-ranked maids, the two First-ranked maids are your arms, but they are still lacking. I observed that Dingxiang is honest but doesn’t speak much, is taciturn and does not know how to be flexible, so in the future if one were to encounter anything, one fears that she would drag Young Lady back. As for Shancha, even though she is lively and eloquent, she is one that does not have a stable heart.”

Chu Jinyao straightened up, displaying an attitude of baring one’s heart, “Dingxiang is honest and even if there is no credit earned during this period of time, she has put in hard work. One would trouble Momo to guide her.”

Chu Jinyao only spoke of Dingxiang but not Shancha, thus her intentions were very clear.

“It is this old servant’s duty.” Gong Momo also understood. Even though Old Madam Chu had instructed her to temporarily manage people for Chu Jinyao, there was no reason for people that the elders sent out to return. The high likelihood would be that she would be following Chu Jinyao to live, marry off and afterwards Chu Jinyao would be providing for her retirement. Therefore, Gong Momo showed her best abilities to Chu Jinyao. Gong Momo had heard that the family had other arrangements for Fifth Young Lady and one reckoned that she would be facing great fortune. Since it was as such, Gong Momo wanted to show achievements earlier and occupy the capable position by Fifth Young Lady’s side.

With the same goals, it was easier for the both of them to proceed. Gong Momo said, “One heard that Momo Sun used to be disrespectful to you, but as Momo Sun was sent by Madam, a third of face is still required. For the time being, Momo Sun would not be moved, but for the rest of the maids, there is a need to knock some sense into them.”

“All right.” Chu Jinyao reached out and pointed to a few people on the name list, “These few people always love to run out, and I do not know why. Perhaps it is better to change personnel.”

Gong Momo looked at it and noted secretly and said, “This old servant understands Young Lady’s intentions.”

A few days later when Chenxiang brought a plate of fruits in, she was accidentally bumped into by Shancha and the entire plate of fruits scattered all over the floor. Shancha was lost in thought and walked hurriedly, thus she did not pay attention to the oncoming person and bumped directly. After bumping into Chenxiang, she also did not take it to heart and scolded, “You little hoof, do you not see when you walk? There are no men in the room, so what is the rush for?”

Chenxiang already felt aggrieved after falling down, and upon hearing those words, she became angrier. However, Shancha did not care about it and instructed in a bad mood for Chenxiang to tidy up as she wanted to go out. Shancha was so used to running rampant in the courtyard that she even dared to neglect Chu Jinyao, much less a maid. Chenxiang was so angry that her hands trembled, but she knew she was incapable of winning in a fight with Shancha and could only suffer in silence as she squatted down to clean the mess up. Shancha spoke more sarcastic words and just as she was about to leave, Gong Momo’s cold voiced sounded from behind, “Stop.”

Chenxiang quickly stood up and Shancha also turned around with a smile, “Momo, why did you come out? This maid is being careless, and I am disciplining her!”

Gong Momo’s expression was extraordinarily serious, displaying a little of Old Madam Chu’s demeanor. The wrinkles on Gong Momo’s face did not even move as she spoke sternly, “This is Young Lady’s room. How dare you speak such nonsense in front of Young Lady! You are so bold!”

Shancha was somewhat flustered, but at the same time she did not think it was a big deal as they would all scold the new maids like this privately, it was just that it should not be heard by others. Shancha smiled at Gong Momo, “It is me that is in the wrong. I am quick-tempered and did not pay attention to these things. I will pay attention to it the next time.”

“There would be a next time?” Gong Momo sneered, “Young Lady’s courtyard would not dare to retain such a First-ranked maid like you. Since you cannot control how fast your mouth is, then go out and learn, and return when you know how to speak.”

The smile on Shancha’s face froze, “Momo, what are you saying?”

“Did you not hear what I said?” Gong Momo coldly instructed several coarse servants outside, “Drag this arrogant maid away and send her out.”

Shancha was genuinely panicking at the moment, “There is no need to do that as I only spoke casually.” After she finished speaking, she gave Chenxiang a stare. It was all the fault of this hoof. Chenxiang quickly lowered her head in fear.

Momo Sun also came over after hearing the commotion. After hearing other’s recount of the matter, she felt that it was a little excessive. “Gong Momo, Shancha was only scolding the people under her. Although she spoke without filter, it was all for the sake of Young Lady, so why the need to make such a fuss?”

However, Gong Momo remained unmoved and spoke with a serious expression, “What kind of person is the Young Lady that you can be arrogant towards her? Our own people are in the room today, and if there are guests in the future, would you be able to control your mouth? Still not dragging her out? Do you all not understand my words!”

The old servants, who were surrounding the doors watching the commotion, were all taken aback. If Chu Jinyao spoke such things, they would still dare to wait and watch, but now it was Gong Momo. She was Old Madam Chu’s person! The old servants dared not watch the show and immediately held Shancha with both hands. Shancha finally understood what was going on and disregarding any decency, she shouted towards the room, “Young Lady. Young Lady, quickly save me! I do not want to be sent away!”

The curtains in the Eastern room remained quiet. No matter how big a commotion there was, Chu Jinyao did not come out to take a look. Everyone only felt terrified as it seemed that it was not Shancha’s words that made Gong Momo deal with her. They feared that no matter what Shancha did, Gong Momo would still make things difficult, and as for Chu Jinyao, it was obvious that she knew of it in advance and had long given permission to do so.

All those who were serving inside and outside the room felt as if they had entered a cold cellar. They had obviously entered a warmer month, but now they felt a bone-biting chill. In the past, they had felt that Young Lady was good natured, unlike the other young ladies who grew up in the Marquis residence. However, now it seems that she had the blood of nobles. This kind of coldness was ingrained in their nature.

Many of the maids and old servants relied on the fact that Chu Jinyao had a shallow foundation and no backing and would inevitably be contemptuous and not pay much attention to her orders. Now that Shancha was punished to make an example, they immediately panicked. Sure enough, Gong Momo put up a sullen expression, and under the pretext of putting the inner courtyard management into order, she dealt with a few maids and old servants. Even the Second-ranked maid, Yueqiu did not escape the disaster.

Fortunately, Madam Zhao did not care about Chu Jinyao at that time, thus although they were lacking in rules, most of the people that were assigned had newly entered the residence. Not only did they not have a complicated background, other than Chu Jinyao, they did not have other backers either. Gong Momo quickly dealt with Shancha, Yueqiu and a few more old cleaning servants and did not touch the rest. When the servants saw that two of the usually well-regarded First and Second-ranked maids were gone, they were long shocked. For a while, they were on tenterhooks and could only serve quietly and dared not even speak a little loudly.

The movements of Chu Jinyao’s courtyard could not be concealed from others, so one day when they went to give their greetings to Old Madam Chu, Madam Yan asked, “One heard that Fifth Young Lady has shown power and drove a number of servants away?”

Everyone’s attention turned towards Chu Jinyao. She responded calmly, “I also don’t understand. It’s just that Gong Momo felt that these people don’t follow the rules and helped me send them away. I felt that because Gong Momo was sent over by elders and thus would have reasoning behind every action. Second Aunt, don’t you think so?”

Madam Yan choked and could only reply, “Of course.” She smiled and brushed the topic off, but as she was pushed back with so little effort, she had an embarrassed expression.

Chu Jinyao could only pretend not to understand and pushed everything onto Old Madam Chu and Gong Momo, after all, she was currently viewed as valuable in Old Madam Chu’s eyes. If she did not use it now, when could she do it? When Old Madam Chu heard it, she turned a few Buddhist beads as she spoke lightly, “Since these few ladies do not behave well, then just sell them off. In a few days I will instruct the broker to come and you can select a few that suit your heart.”

Chu Jinyao lowered her head and replied in compliance. Madam Zhao had initially wanted to tell Chu Jinyao off, that she should not be so unforgiving as this was unbecoming of a noble lady, but with Old Madam Chu words, would Madam Zhao dare to say anything? Even Madam Yan who asked just now, quickly lowered her head. Both of them had the same thoughts. Chu Jinyao drove people out in a drastic manner, one of them included a First-ranked maid that was given by an elder, but Old Madam Chu did not even question and just let it go?

The meaning behind this was shocking. Over the years, only Chu Jinxian had the ability to drive three to four people out at a time, but because the people by Chu Jinxian’s side were all selected one to a thousand, there was no need to replace them. Thus, over the years, no young ladies or daughters-in-law dared to do so.

However, Chu Jinyao had now done it. Old Madam Chu did not speak of it nor did Marquis Changxing, so even if the rest felt that it was not proper, they dared not bring it up. They could only watch wide-eyed as Old Madam Chu instructed the brokers to enter the residence and lead the ladies that Chu Jinyao drove out away. Officially these ladies were sold because they were not well-behaved, but who didn’t know that the real reason was they disrespected Chu Jinyao?

After Chu Jinyao dealt with Shancha, there were a number of empty positions. She bought three to four young ladies, and Old Madam Chu also assigned two maids to her. Even though Old Madam Chu did not say anything, Chu Jinyao very respectfully promoted one of them, Linglong, as First-ranked, and the other Lianqiao, to fill up the Second-ranked maid position.

It seemed that in a blink of an eye, there was a change of blood around Chu Jinyao. Those who were close with other courtyards and the arrogant ones were all replaced overnight. It was now that everyone saw that even though the Fifth Young Lady looked like she had a good temperament normally, she was clearly aware of what the servants below were doing. This time, borrowing Old Madam Chu’s and Gong Momo’s hands, she had driven away all those flickering-hearted people at lightning speed. Before the event, there were no signs of wind or omen at all.

Everyone was secretly astonished and started to look at Chu Jinyao with awe. Linglong was indeed someone that came from Old Madam Chu. Her way of speaking and observation were much more outstanding than Dingxiang, and she was experienced in her actions. With Linglong taking the lead internally and Gong Momo deterring externally, ChaoYunYuan immediately became awe-inspiring and organised.

The more Momo Sun looked at the surrounding people, the more danger she felt. How could she not be clear as to why Shancha was sent away? Momo Sun did not expect that Chu Jinyao would hold onto grudges like this as she was just too daring. Shancha was only disrespectful in her words, and with Momo Sun fighting head-to-head with Chu Jinyao before, how would she spare her? Momo Sun dared not harbour extravagant hopes.

When no one was paying attention, Momo Sun quietly went out and headed towards Chu Jinmiao’s courtyard.

Inside the main room, Chu Jinyao placed her brush down and asked, “She went out?”

Linglong respectfully stood at the side as she replied, “Yes. From the direction, it should be towards Fourth Young Lady’s courtyard.”

Chu Jinyao smiled lightly and did not speak. Gong Momo frowned, “She was arranged personally by Madam. Even Old Madam Chu had to give face to Marchioness. One fears that she cannot be dealt with by a few misspoken words.”

Gong Momo represented Old Madam Chu, so it was all right to deal with maids like Shancha. As for Momo Sun, who was nominally the same rank and involving Madam Zhao’s face, it would not be proper to make a rash move. At least, a few sentences would not be enough.

“Then wait until she makes an obvious and clear mistake.”

Gong Momo was stunned for a moment and asked cautiously, “Young Lady, your meaning is?”

Chu Jinyao shook her head and refused to say any more. She remembered what Qin Yi had said at the beginning. As a master, it was not befitting for her to personally fight with the maids and servants, what she needed to do was to take full control of the overall situation. Let those servants fight by themselves, and she only needed to control the situation when necessary. Now that Shancha had been dealt with, the heat to deal with Momo Sun was not enough.

Since it was not enough, then add more fire. When Momo Sun makes a huge mistake that cannot be overlooked, Old Madam Chu could take direct action.

Gong Momo and Linglong looked at Chu Jinyao before them and felt that this Fifth Young Lady was unfathomable. She could actually have such awe-inspiring noble air, just like the nobles in the Palace. Gong Momo secretly wondered how she could feel that Chu Jinyao’s expression was like a noble when she rarely even went out, let alone know people from the Palace?

Chu Jinyao stood up and said, “It would save trouble if Momo Sun was not here. Follow me to the Western room to take a look before she returns.”

Chu Jinyao brought Gong Momo, Linglong and Dingxiang to the Western wing storeroom. When Gong Momo and Linglong saw that Chu Jinyao trusted them this much, they were somewhat happy and uneasy. When they opened the mahogany boxes that Manager Qi sent over, there was only anxiety left in their hearts.

Gong Momo was so astonished that she could not close her mouth, “This…”

The first chest was full of gold and silver jewelry, pearls, agate and other items. There were boxes of ready-made jewelry as well as raw gemstones. Chu Jinyao thought back to the trip with Madam Zhao, Chu Jinxian and the rest, to the jewelry store, and how Madam Zhao bled heavily when she bought a gemstone set jewelry for her. Chu Jinyao already felt that the set was extremely delicate and placed it in a dressing table as she could not bear to bring it out to wear. However, she was now looking at the entire chest of gold, silver and jade that could blind anyone’s eyes, she suddenly felt what could Madam Zhao’s, Chu Jinxian’s and the entire jewelry store be considered?

However, all these things were given to her?

Chu Jinyao opened up the second chest with trepidation and this time all four in the room took a breath of cold air. This entire chest was filled with Yun brocade.

An inch of brocade was an inch of gold. It was the Yun brocade that were rarely circulated in the market and almost all of them were used for tribute.

Gong Momo held her heart, obviously unable to take it anymore. Chu Jinyao frowned secretly and was feeling somewhat regretful. She had thought that Manager Qi was a merchant and thus no matter how much he had gifted, how valuable could they be? It was just a larger quantity. Initially, Chu Jinyao had thought that these chests were just like the previous stuff, silk,fabrics and other things, so she brought Gong Momo and Linglong over. Now, it looked like she was still reckless. The things in front of her were no longer measurable by mere money.

However, one could not blame Chu Jinyao. She had never thought that Manager Qi would actually dare to send these things! How was he able to obtain these things?

Gong Momo was even a little fearful. Just based on these two chests full of items, it was not an exaggeration to say that it was worth ten thousand taels. However, this was not a matter of just ten thousand taels. Even if one were to take ten thousand taels out, one feared that there was no way to purchase half the items here. Not to mention these pearls and jade stones, just this chest of Yun brocade, it was considered very honorable for a noble family to obtain a bolt of Yun brocade as these things were either bestowed royally or secretly smuggled out from the weaving department by the eunuchs. Even if one had a way of obtaining it, who would be able to obtain so many tributes? Do they despise having their head firmly on their necks?

Gong Momo asked, “Young Lady, do we still open up the rest of the chests?”

Chu Jinyao walked to the third chest and unlocked it. She raised it slightly to take a peek before closing it quickly.

Chu Jinyao felt that her heart was not doing very well. She had originally thought that the chest of Yun brocade was scary enough, but when she took a glance just now, she actually saw several blots of woven golden and silver pattern fabric. Theoretically, commoners were not allowed to wear gold or silver woven clothes, but currently merchants were prosperous and there were many rich families, so they would also secretly go beyond their status and wear gold or silver. The officials would shut one eye as the young ladies, like in their Marquis residence, would also wear overly extravagant clothes in order to suppress the situation. However even if everyone knew of it, no one dared to be too presumptuous and surpass the ranks of royalty. These fabrics were all brightly shining. One did not know how many golden threads were woven into them when weaving. If these fabrics were not for royalty then who would dare to wear them?

Chu Jinyao was somewhat shocked. What was Manager Qi doing? Was he crazy?

Chu Jinyao’s expression became solemn. She took a glance at the remaining boxes, only opening it slightly before closing it up. Gong Momo and the rest knew how serious the matter was, and all of them lowered their heads and stood at the side, not seeing Chu Jinyao’s actions.

Honestly speaking, they were very frightened by it, how could they continue watching?

After Chu Jinyao saw each one, she personally locked them up. She then turn around and look at the three, Gong Momo, Linglong and Dingxiang, with a very solemn and serious expression, “Today, no matter how much you see, once you exit the doors, forget everything. If you dare to talk nonsense, not to mention me, one fears that the entire residence of Marquis Changxing would be implicated by you.”

Gong Momo and the rest knew how serious the matter was, so they immediately complied. Fortunately, they were people who did things carefully, thus they had closed the doors of the Western room upon entering so that the others would not be able to see these terrifying things. Chu Jinyao emphasized heavily again until the three women became so frightened that their faces were pale and broke a cold sweat, “All right, school your facial expressions and follow me out. Dingxiang, lock the doors well. In the future, without my instructions, no one is allowed to come in! If anyone dares to disobey, I fear that even I would not be able to protect you.”

“Yes.” Dingxiang lowered her head and complied. She followed Chu Jinyao out and quickly locked the Western room up as if there was some kind of beast inside. In fact, the things inside were really like beasts.

Chu Jinyao left with Gong Momo to look for Old Madam Chu. When Old Madam Chu heard what Chu Jinyao said, her expression also became sullen. “You are saying that the things that Manager sent over were not from the commoners?”

“Yes.”

Old Madam Chu now sat up straight, “That is not possible. He is a merchant, how would he dare…”

“It is because of this that this matter has become more serious.” Chu Jinyao continued, “Zhu Mu, I want to see Manager Qi.”

The next day, Qi Desheng was invited to the residence of the Marquis of Changxing. He had an idea about the reason when he left the house, and when he entered RongNingTang and saw Chu Jinyao in the room, the guess in his heart solidified.

Chu Jinyao got up from her chair, greeted Manager Qi before looking directly into his eyes, and asked bluntly, “Manager Qi, let me ask you… Where did you obtain your stuff from?”